The air of Valentine's Day had spilled out into the streets. Yugen, choosing to remain a silent observer of the season's frivolity, stepped off the commuter at his home station. He blinked in surprise to see a familiar figure waiting at the gates—someone who usually wouldn't be there.
"Tatsuya? This is rare."
"You're right on time," Tatsuya noted.
Tatsuya had wanted to hear the results of Yugen's analysis firsthand. Instead of returning home with Miyuki and Minami, he had attended a meeting and timed his departure to coincide with Yugen's arrival.
"The meeting didn't show much progress anyway. I told them I had business with you and took my leave."
"Is that so...? Weren't the seniors or Ichijou surprised?"
"Not particularly. Though Ichijou did look a bit suspicious."
Since Masaki was staying as a guest primarily at Miya's suggestion, Tatsuya felt no obligation to cater to the Ichijou family's whims. While the matter had been discussed within the Master Clans, the fact that Masaki seemed unaware suggested that his father, Gouki, hadn't shared the full details of the living arrangement with him.
The two began walking toward the Shiba residence. Yugen subtly cast a spell to ward off the winter chill while simultaneously layering a sophisticated acoustic interference field to ensure their conversation remained private.
"The explosives and weapons used in the terror attack were undoubtedly parts of an obsolete USNA anti-air missile," Yugen began. "My operatives in the US actually found wreckage from dismantled weaponry in Los Angeles that matched the components."
"So they scrapped them and harvested the explosives... and that recent interference was meant to bury the scandal?" Tatsuya asked.
"If it were just that, it would be manageable. But officials from the White House and Congress are involved—specifically, relatives of Benjamin Canopus... or Benjamin Bolz, to use his real name."
"A silencing operation, then. But an assassination on Japanese soil would be too loud."
If it were Tatsuya, he could simply use Mist Dispersion to erase the problem. However, the USNA's Molecular Divider was far less efficient than Tatsuya's Decomposition. To erase a body like Gu Jie's, one would need a high-output Field Expansion. Due to the nature of the Molecular Divider, its power is only fully realized when it can sever bonds in a specific geometric pattern.
To turn a human body into dust, they would need a field spanning hundreds of meters, which would be immediately detected. Furthermore, the use of such magic by the US military within Japan would cause an international uproar, potentially fueling humanist movements globally.
Neither the USNA government nor the Joint Chiefs would sanction such a reckless scenario. Consequently, their most likely move was to facilitate Gu Jie's escape and eliminate him once he reached international waters.
"Did you place a marker during the last skirmish?" Yugen asked.
"Fumiya and Ayako were in danger; I didn't have the luxury. Can you track him with your 'Eyes'?"
"I could, but the risk of them detecting my movement is high. Besides, I think it's better if you find him. It'll make them more desperate."
The original plan for the terror attack likely intended for fatalities. Even without deaths, the bombing of a hotel owned by the Kansaka Group—a major conglomerate—had resulted in the government being hammered by the business world. Online, the public was screaming for a harsh response to the terrorists.
In a savvy PR move, the Juumonji family, representing the Ten Master Clans, had offered to cover all medical expenses for the injured (with the cost split among the other Clans), while students from the National Magic Medical University were providing cutting-edge magical care.
"Do you think they'll move that easily?" Tatsuya asked.
"If they don't act now, Gu Jie will lose his means of retaliation."
The terror attack hadn't yielded the desired results, and the media momentum was stalling. To reignite the anti-magic fire, they would have to force their remaining pieces into action. Their likely targets would be the urban centers where remnants were hiding—making First High and Second High the most probable marks.
"However, under the Special Measures Act, public gatherings near government facilities are banned. Though, interestingly, the National Magic University isn't included in that restriction."
"Despite being a government-affiliated institution?"
"Many officials probably think it's fine because magicians have the means of self-defense... Still," Yugen sighed, "this isn't the kind of conversation high schoolers should be having."
"I agree," Tatsuya muttered, his voice carrying a hint of weariness.
They arrived at the Shiba residence, and Yugen led the way inside. They were greeted by Miyuki, looking radiant in an apron.
"Welcome home, Yugen-san. Oh, and Brother is with you as well."
"I'm back, Miyuki. I ran into Tatsuya at the station."
"I see. Please, come into the living room quickly."
Prompted by Miyuki, Yugen entered the living room to find the table overflowing with a magnificent feast. Even Tatsuya, who had known something was being planned, was taken aback by the scale.
"Miyuki... this is wonderful, but wasn't it a lot of work?"
"Not at all. I did most of the prep work yesterday. I've put my heart into today's meal, so please, eat your fill."
(Isn't that every day?) Yugen thought with a silent smirk. Tatsuya watched his sister's unrestrained devotion to Yugen and felt a twinge of resignation. He realized he couldn't really judge her, given how protective he was of her in turn.
Along with Minami, the four of them enjoyed a lively and warm birthday celebration for Yugen. Then came the highlight: the birthday cake. It was a full-sized Sacher Torte. Miyuki meticulously lit the candles, and Yugen leaned in to blow them out.
"Happy birthday, Yugen."
"Happy birthday, Yugen-san."
"Thank you, Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami. But a Sacher Torte... that's quite a choice. Are you still holding a grudge about what happened two springs ago?"
"Not at all," Miyuki replied with a sweet, innocent smile.
The fact that she chose such a notoriously difficult cake to bake suggested she hadn't forgotten the past entirely. Yugen took the first bite.
"...It's delicious."
"Really? I was worried it might be a bit too bitter."
"I mean it. It's not like I hate bitter things."
Yugen could handle green tea or matcha just fine; he only needed sugar in his coffee or black tea because of their specific flavor profiles. The bitterness of the chocolate was perfectly balanced, a testament to Miyuki's attention to his tastes.
"Could I have some coffee, then? With milk and sugar."
"Certainly!" Miyuki chirped, disappearing into the kitchen.
Yugen finished his cake, knowing full well that the "main event" was yet to come. The birthday feast was merely the appetizer. Tatsuya and Minami seemed to sense the atmosphere as well, sharing a silent, knowing look of amusement.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"